Oregon's First Integrated Water Resources Strategy

The Oregon Water Resources Commission adopted the state's first Integrated Water Resources Strategy on August 2, 2012. The Strategy provides a blueprint to help the state better understand and meet its instream and out-of-stream needs, taking into account water quantity, water quality, and ecosystem needs.

​In 2014 the IWRS Project team put together a mapping document outlining the various roles and responsibilities of state and federal agencies involved in water resources management. To view the document click here.

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​2B Improve Water Use Measurement and Reporting

​All public entities holding water rights in Oregon and a portion of larger, non-government water users are required to track and report the amount of water used each month. These reported amounts provide a sample of the total amount of water used in the state, which can assist in forecasting water demand and wisely managing water supplies. In 2014, the Department added personnel to assist water users with reporting use, to provide data quality control, and to develop improved tools that allow the public greater access to this data. Whether you are researching water use in a basin, or are interested in use of a particular water right over time, there are new tools for viewing, printing or downloading water use data. Click here to search by water user, point of diversion, water right, or select criteria to create a summary report.

​The Water Resources Department has developed guidelines that can facilitate place-based integrated water resources planning efforts aimed meeting instream and out-of-stream water needs, including water quantity, water quality, and ecosystem needs. In 2014, the Department examined local and regional water planning approaches in neighboring states, took public comment, and participated in stakeholder workshops to help shape Oregon’s place-based planning guidelines. Several natural resource agencies also assisted as part of this process. See below for the draft guidelines and other background information.

In November 2012, the AWRA Policy Committee released a report highlighting examples of integrated water resources management (IWRM) throughout the United States. To view AWRA's report click here.

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​10A Improve Water Use Efficiency and Water Conservation

​Allocation of Conserved Water Program

​This program is a voluntary activity that provides benefits to both water right holders and instream uses. The law allows a water user who conserves water to use a portion of the conserved water on additional lands, lease or sell the water, or dedicate the water to instream use. The Strategy is aimed at promoting awareness of this program. In March 2014, Department staff produced a video describing the basic components of the Department’s Conserved Water Program. For the informational handout, click here.

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​11B Develop Additional Instream Protections

In 2014, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is evaluating sections of the Molalla, Chetco, and Grande Ronde Rivers to determine their eligibility and suitability for inclusion into the State’s Scenic Waterways Program. For more information on the study areas, click here.

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​11C Prevent and Eradicate Invasive Species

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), in cooperation with the Oregon State Marine Board, are expanding efforts to prevent invasive species from entering Oregon’s precious waterways. For the 2014 recreation season, boat inspection stations are located in Ashland, Gold Beach, Klamath Falls, Lakeview, and Ontario. For more information on Oregon’s Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program, visit ODFW’s website. Watch this short video about the threat that invasive species pose to Oregon’s rivers, lakes, and other habitats.

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​12A Ensure the Safety of Oregon’s Drinking Water

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has launched a “Domestic Well Safety Program” to improve local and state capacity for assessing and managing risks associated with private drinking water wells. Visit OHA’s new website to find basic information, including water quality testing, treatment, maintenance, and other resources. OHA also offers a public mailing list for those interested in receiving updates on private wells in Oregon. To join, sign uphere.

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​12B Reduce the Use of and Exposure to Toxics and Other Pollutants

​In September 2014, State COO Michael Jordan approved new purchasing guidelines for state agencies to support the purchase of less-toxic products. Development of purchasing guidelines was prompted by Governor Kitzhaber's 2012 executive order directing state agencies to increase the number of people- and planet-friendly products they purchase. The guidelines will enable the state to expand its green purchasing beyond the janitorial supply price agreement adopted in 2013. Under the agreement, state agencies have already purchased effective cleaning supplies while reducing the amount of toxic chemicals used. The view the newly issued guidelines, click here.

Policy Advisory Group

The Policy Advisory Group met quarterly over the course of 24 months to provide guidance and recommendations to the Strategy’s Project Team. The Group consisted of 18 citizen members, appointed for their ability to represent a wide range of interests and diverse statewide perspectives.

2009/2010 Open House & Workshop Results

The Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) Project Team conducted workshops and held open house events throughout the state in 2009/2010. These events were largely aimed at gathering local input to inform the development of the strategy. Participants also had an opportunity to provide their input through a survey. Responses gathered from these events are summarized in this document: IWRS 2010 Public Input Results. The Open House photos can be accessed here: 2010 Visual Summary.